Congress to permanently ban Internet tax

Taxes on Internet access would be permanently banned under a bipartisan agreement in Congress reached Wednesday.

In a version of a bill on customs and border policy announced Wednesday, congressional negotiators included a provision that would permanently ban the Internet tax.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers from both chambers agreed on the legislation in conference meetings Wednesday, meaning that the bill soon will be headed to President Obama's desk.

Among other measures relating to border security, customs and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the legislation would make permanent a ban on taxing Internet services that has been extended on a temporary basis since 1998.